Turning Internships Inside-Out

Teachers became the students in a program started last year at Unum. Our Teacher Externship Program gave Tennessee teachers the opportunity to learn how businesses work and better understand the type of expertise that's important for tomorrow's workforce.

The educators spent a week at Unum's offices to meet with different professionals in various parts of our company to see how the skills taught at today's schools are applied in the business world.

Teachers took insights gained by the experience back to their schools to share with colleagues and integrate in the classroom, including a clearer understanding of the importance of interviewing skills, clear communication, interpersonal relationships and other soft skills needed in the workforce.

The program was also a chance for Unum to gain insight into the way teachers run their classrooms, and how that can affect the work habits of new hires and young people entering the workforce.

In 2014, the Teacher Externship Program will expand to allow more teachers to participate.